Do you know what’s myth and what’s reality in the world of college admissions?  “It’s better to have a higher GPA than it is to take difficult classes.” “Colleges must love me if they are sending me brochures and letters in the mail.”  These are just a couple examples of college admission’s myths that are circulating among high school students and parents.

The truth?  Colleges want to see you challenge yourself academically.  If that means receiving a B in a higher level course, they would rather have you take that academically challenging class than get the A in a lower level.  Colleges advertise their school and their programs to students.  Don’t fall for the notion that you are a top pick and don’t have to put as much work into your application.  Colleges want to get the word out about their school, and sending bulk mailings to students is part of the way they do that.  Take it for what it is; information about a college that you can either follow-up on, or toss aside. 

The college admissions process can be challenging in and of itself.  Add to it the repeated myths that are spread and students and parents end up confused.  Educate yourself not only about the actual college admissions process (how to send transcripts and ask for recommendations, etc.), but also about the reality behind the theories about college admissions that may or may not be true.  To learn more about college myths and the reality behind them, read this article by the Washington Post.

Have you gotten your copy of our 2011-2012 College Insider yet?  If not, email us at collegeplanning@nhheaf.org today and we’ll put one in the mail to you!

Best of luck as you continue your college application process,
Val